Fifty And Better Program Continues Summer Lecture Series

THOUSAND OAKS, CA — As California Lutheran University’s Fifty and Better (FAB) program begins its fifth year, it is proud to announce the FABulous Summer Lecture series which continues through July and August.

The summer series offers individual and two-part lectures on a wide range of topics. All 2-hour lectures will be available virtually, and nearly half of the lectures will be available in-person.

In July, Katherine Zoraster will explore the weird and wonderful world created by Marc Chagall; Matthew Weisman will discuss Alma Reville’s influence on Alfred Hitchcock’s career; Dr. Mary Oksala will unpack the scientific search for intelligent life in the universe; Dr. Paul Witman will take a look at online maps and GPS; Olivia Espin will unpack the contradictions of women’s leadership and heroism through the examination of Joan of Arc; the Reverend Scott Adams will examine the history of the prison industrial complex and its implications for society today; Eleanor Schrader will discuss the depiction of canines and their bond with humans in art through the centuries; Sharon Boorstin will look at the two sides of Hollywood after World War II; and Dr. Sarah Childress will discuss documentary filmmaking.

Nearly half of the lectures will be delivered in a “HyFlex” format – FAB students may attend the same lecture in-person or virtually. Students attending virtually will access the lectures via Zoom.

All individual (stand-alone) lectures meet for two hours. FAB’s in-person lectures will meet at Cal Lutheran’s main campus in Thousand Oaks or Cal Lutheran’s satellite campus in Oxnard. Parking is free at both locations. Lectures are $10 each, or bundle 10 lectures across the summer for $75. FAB lectures are open to all, regardless of age.  Registration is open.

FAB will also have FAB Nights at the Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival for the third year in a row. Students and their guests are invited to come early for free snacks and games. On Sunday, June 30 at 8pm is the romantic comedy “Much Ado About Nothing”; on Sunday, July 21 at 8pm is the timeless tragedy “Romeo and Juliet.” FAB will also host tours and Qigong/Tai Chi classes through August.

FAB was designed to offer university level-courses with no tests or homework taught by experts in the field, and to host social engagement activities for individuals 50 years of age and older. When COVID-19 erupted and the first-ever offering of in-person courses had to be postponed indefinitely, Cal Lutheran responded by being the first program in the area to offer courses virtually via Zoom. The first year of the program was a success, giving those most impacted by the pandemic an outlet to continue learning and connecting. Since that time, FAB has evolved into a program that offers courses, lectures, and activities year-round.  All courses and lectures are available virtually, with a growing number of them also offered in-person.  FAB has served in excess of 1400 students (and counting), hosted over 90 courses, and has presented more than 150 lectures.  FAB has sponsored tours to museums and places of interest within and external to Ventura County, and has hosted “FAB Nights” at the Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival.  Additionally, FAB offers virtual tours of museums such as The Broad and the Holocaust Museum.  Furthermore, FAB offers several free virtual lectures and virtual or in-person tours each year, to create an opportunity for all in our 50+ community to continue learning.

Devoted participant, Cherie Wrigley shared, “I love so many of the class offerings and they keep me very engaged on a regular basis. I love learning in this way. People around me are surprised because I am so hooked on FAB! This program is the best run extended learning program I have ever been involved with. I am so grateful to be a part of the FAB community!”

To register for lectures and events, go to CalLutheran.edu/fab. For more information, visit the website or contact Christina Tierney at fab@callutheran.edu or 805.493.3290.